I'll spend a two weeks vacation in Chicago this September. Is there anything you'd recommend me to visit? Museums, ships, sites, anything. WW2 is not my only interest, but I thing wargamers think a bit the same way, so things you like are maybe something for me as well.

Oh, not to forget... preferably with day care for the wife.

PS: Eventually we could also gather somewhere and have a beer or two and discuss the flaws and oversights of AE.

PPS: I'm also looking for accomodation, so any hints in this regard are appreciated. Feel free to answer in this thread or send me a PM.

The museums are always worth a visit. There's the Museum of Science and Industry, with the U-505 exhibit. Closer to downtown there's the complex including the Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium, and the aquarium, all within walking distance of each other.

Less well known is Cantigny Gardens in Wheaton, in the western suburbs. Besides the gardens themselves, which are pretty nice, there's the 1st Division Museum, honoring the 1st Infantry Division of the US Army.

MUST: Science and Industry Museum U-505 exhibit. It's just been re-done, and where else can you tour a Type-IX Nazi U-Boat? BOOK AHEAD for tickets to the U-505 though

Field Museum has a current special exhibit on PIRATES. Not too bad, sorta kid oriented but I liked it

SEARS TOWER has a new observation platform called THE LEDGE; it's a glass box suspended over the street you can walk into and look straight down. Apparently it's WILD, I haven't seen it, but I plan to. Check out the photos online.

SHEDD AQUARIUM is very cool if you don't have a slick local aquarium. It's first-class! Check Bears schedule though, don't plan on going during a Bears game (same for the Field Museum, they are right next door to Soldiers Field)

LINCOLN PARK ZOO is free, and a good way to kill a couple hours downtown if you have some time. You can just hit whatever animal highlight you prefer.

Strolling around MILLENIUM PARK is cool; the fountain, the gardens, the bean sculpture, and the other stuff, check out on the web

ART INSTITUTE: We have one of the world's top 10 art museums. May or may not be for you, but if you like Art, must see. New addition JUST opened.

BASEBALL: Cubs and Sox if you like Baseball, not sure where you are from. I am a Cubs Season Ticket Holder, I think my September games are spoken for, but maybe someone will bail and I can get you a pair.

HOTELS: This depends entirely on your budget, and how important location or updated rooms are to you. If you don't have a car (and you shouldn't bother), there are a ton of good alternatives downtown. Parking is very expensive, unless you are driving to get here do not bother renting a car.

PM me for more, including eats, I currently live in the city of Chicago (near Evanston)

Lots of hotels around the "Magnificent Mile" area, which is close to tons of stuff. They range in price and quality, but you should find something that suits you. I'll throw in another vote for the Museum of Science and Industry. We just toured the U-505 in the spring. Very nice exhibit. Tuesdays (I think) might be free or heavily discounted.

You gotta have at least one pizza and at least one hot dog when you're in the Windy City. Not sure they'll let you out if you don't (Do NOT ask for ketchup on your hot dog, though. Though I live here I'm not a native, and I made that mistake once...once). You can cab anywhere for about 8 dollars.

One thing nobody has mentioned is that the Museum of Science and Industry also has the world's only Ju-87R in complete condition. It was hit by ground fire in North Africa and captured by the British. The only think hit was the oil tank and the pilot made a regular landing, so the plane was captured in excellent condition, though unflyable. The British donated it to the EAA at some point and the EAA donated it to the Chicago museum.

One thing nobody has mentioned is that the Museum of Science and Industry also has the world's only Ju-87R in complete condition. It was hit by ground fire in North Africa and captured by the British. The only think hit was the oil tank and the pilot made a regular landing, so the plane was captured in excellent condition, though unflyable. The British donated it to the EAA at some point and the EAA donated it to the Chicago museum.

Bill

They also have a Spitfire IA, which is much prettier.

I work in the loop myself, and September is a great time to visit the city; the weather isn't unbearable (although we're actually having a nice summer right now). I definitely second recommendations of the Art Institute and the Shedd; honestly, the Museum of Science and Industry never struck me as being anywhere near as good.

Museum of Science and Industry is a must. If you plan in hitting more then one i would consider the city pass http://www.citypass.com/city/chicago.html You'll save big $$$ .. Now if you feel compelled for some weird deranged reason, to visit the beer garden that is Wriggly (sorry Q-ball I married a south sider) I would recommend not driving- parking will kill you – take the train and go early and take in the spirit of the game. That means you will have to drink a lot. And plan on staying late – more drinking at the Cubby Bear across the street. It is an experience, and rather enjoyable. The “Cell” is an option if the Cubs aren’t in town, but there is nothing to do around it. BUT if you do go to the “Cell” you have to hit Phil’s for pizza. Its @8 blocks away in Bridgeport. A hole in the wall but in my opinion the best Pizza in this area.. Not as good a NYC (Yes I said it!!! ) and you must have some deep dish Pizza, it’s a requirement. So plan on putting on @10 pounds while you are here. You could just park at millennium and walk Michigan Ave and take in the sites.. It is a Very nice Place, and Clean. Enjoy..

There are also all kinds of architectural tours available. Most are on foot, but there are also some that are by boat on the Chicago River.

Similarly, I think tours are still available of the historic Pullman District on the south side. Obviously, I'm not looking any of this up as I type!

For a wife pleaser, try a lunch cruise on one of the boats from Navy Pier. My former employer used to treat us as our annual summer outing. Haven't been on all of them, but I like the Odyssey better than the others (less obnoxious "entertainment" on board).

For a good laugh (apologies to any Wildcats out there) you could go to a football game at Northwestern -- and since I said that, they'll be good this year (but they were fairly decent last year, so they're done for the next 10).

If you have transportation available, there are countless additional attractions available as day trips -- the Illinois Rail Museum was already mentioned, and Milwaukee is only 90 minutes away. Even without a car, many places are available via a ride on Metra, our commuter rail system. The Naper Settlement, in Naperville, is an example. It's only a few blocks walk from the train station, and in between is one of the best downtowns for shopping I've ever seen (related warning: Chicago has the highest sales tax in the country, thanks most recently to the buffoons who elected the current Cook County board).

I like the idea of getting some of us together, as well. I live about 40 miles west, at the outskirts of the western suburbs, but would do my best to join such a gathering.

After the Montreal Expos got screwed out of the World Series because of the umpire strike in 92-93 and then got screwed by their owner and were sold to Washington, baseball has nothing left for me. Seeing as American League is not baseball (DHs are for kids), the Toronto Blue Jays are simply not an option.

_____________________________

Yammas from The Apo-Tiki Lounge. Future site of WITP AE benders! And then the s--t hit the fan

Also mostly a Cubs fan, but I do like the Whitesox since growing up they were in the other league and never played each other during the season. Been to both parks through out the years with Wrigley being the best but Whitesox park alot easier to get into. I did have friends who were hate'rs of one or the other. We grew up in what John Coleman called the super-boonies during his weather forcast, McHenry County. Parents live just outside Woodstock, brother in Crystal Lake and sister in Island Lake.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

Even though I am native Chicago, I never had a taste for deep dish....too greasy, too much. I prefer thin crust actually.

Sox fan wife? I'm not a Sox-hating Cubs fan. I like them better than the F...ing Yankees. But I am a CUBS fan!!!!!!! Only other one on this forum I think is Gem35

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball MUST: Science and Industry Museum U-505 exhibit. It's just been re-done, and where else can you tour a Type-IX Nazi U-Boat? BOOK AHEAD for tickets to the U-505 though

Field Museum has a current special exhibit on PIRATES. Not too bad, sorta kid oriented but I liked it

SEARS TOWER has a new observation platform called THE LEDGE; it's a glass box suspended over the street you can walk into and look straight down. Apparently it's WILD, I haven't seen it, but I plan to. Check out the photos online.

SHEDD AQUARIUM is very cool if you don't have a slick local aquarium. It's first-class! Check Bears schedule though, don't plan on going during a Bears game (same for the Field Museum, they are right next door to Soldiers Field)

LINCOLN PARK ZOO is free, and a good way to kill a couple hours downtown if you have some time. You can just hit whatever animal highlight you prefer.

Strolling around MILLENIUM PARK is cool; the fountain, the gardens, the bean sculpture, and the other stuff, check out on the web

ART INSTITUTE: We have one of the world's top 10 art museums. May or may not be for you, but if you like Art, must see. New addition JUST opened.

BASEBALL: Cubs and Sox if you like Baseball, not sure where you are from. I am a Cubs Season Ticket Holder, I think my September games are spoken for, but maybe someone will bail and I can get you a pair.

HOTELS: This depends entirely on your budget, and how important location or updated rooms are to you. If you don't have a car (and you shouldn't bother), there are a ton of good alternatives downtown. Parking is very expensive, unless you are driving to get here do not bother renting a car.

PM me for more, including eats, I currently live in the city of Chicago (near Evanston)

The next time we are in Chicago will have to do that! Sometime in August or September is the thought (baseball season). We were up the Hancock in the bar a couple of years ago with my brother and sister-in-law. That looks awsome!

quote:

ORIGINAL: Q-Ball

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ORIGINAL: Hornblower

Yes Yankee Fan, born and breed... No offense taken Q-Ball. side note i wouldn't go out on that glass box either - thats just flippen crazy..

I dont' care what anyone says, that glass box looks cool. Can't wait. My kids want to go, and I haven't been up on top of the Sears Tower in 20 years.

Even though I am native Chicago, I never had a taste for deep dish....too greasy, too much. I prefer thin crust actually.

Sox fan wife? I'm not a Sox-hating Cubs fan. I like them better than the F...ing Yankees. But I am a CUBS fan!!!!!!! Only other one on this forum I think is Gem35

I route for the Cubs, but I'm a fluke of nature in Chicago. Born and bred in St. Louis, so I also cheer the Cardinals. Best of both worlds, really. The Cards usually have a halfway respectable team to watch and the Cubs are the ultimate underdogs.

After the Montreal Expos got screwed out of the World Series because of the umpire strike in 92-93 and then got screwed by their owner and were sold to Washington, baseball has nothing left for me. Seeing as American League is not baseball (DHs are for kids), the Toronto Blue Jays are simply not an option.

DH -- you mean dessicated hitter? (Not original; stole that from a Tank McNamara strip from about 30 years ago.) Everybody mark this on your calendars: somebody is publicly agreeing with Ron!